An Australian-born backbench UK Labour MP has thrown a political hand grenade into the debate over the future of the country's besieged prime minister.
Following crushing local election defeats last week, Keir Starmer is facing a renewed threat to his leadership.
As the final results came in Saturday, Labour suffered a net loss of more than 1100 local council seats across England, and lost control of several local authorities.
Anti-immigration party Reform UK gained more than 1300 seats across England and made significant gains in legislative elections in Wales and Scotland.
Starmer insisted he would not quit 10 Downing Street, but just hours later, former minister Catherine West, who was born in Victoria, announced she wanted a cabinet minister to challenge Starmer by Monday, or she would put herself forward in a leadership tilt.
For this to happen, 20 per cent of Labour MPs – 81 people – would have to back her.
West told the BBC she currently had 10 MPs behind her, but expected support to grow.
"My preferred option is for the cabinet to do a reshuffle within itself, where there's plenty of talent, and for Keir to be given a different role, which he might enjoy, perhaps an international role," she said.
"Then for others to come to the fore who can communicate the message, who are very able, so we can have minimum fuss."
READ MORE: Expect federal budget to be as significant as 'banana republic' warning
The goal of West is not to become UK prime minister but to become a political 'stalking horse' and affect change at the top of the country's Labour Party.
Her threat may force a leadership shot by Health Minister Wes Streeting and former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner, who are regarded as the strongest challengers.
West moved to the UK in 1998 before being elected a Labour MP or Hornsey in north London in 2015 (unlike Australia dual citizens can become British MPs).
She was a junior foreign office minister from 2024 to 2025 with responsibility for the Indo Pacific region.
NEVER MISS A STORY: Get your breaking news and exclusive stories first by following us across all platforms.
- Download the 9NEWS App here via Apple and Google Play
- Make 9News your preferred source on Google by ticking this box here
- Sign up to our breaking newsletter here